Voyages Aboard Ms Island Sky, MS Hebridean Sky, MS Caledonian Sky

Post me the brochure

What is the best way to see Australia? To us the answer is simple, by sea. After all the vast majority of interest to see is either on Australia’s islands, coast or immediate hinterland, and travelling by sea on a small ship with a fleet of Zodiacs opens up the area in the most perfect way. The next big question is which itinerary, the country is so large it’s impossible to include all points of interest unless you are prepared to invest a number of months. We believe the best option is an itinerary that takes you from the extreme north of Queensland to the far south in the state of Victoria. After this the decisions come a little easier. Do we plan a mixture of the usual cities, towns and tourist haunts or do we concentrate our time on Australia’s unique natural world. Our view is most certainly the latter, so much about this fascinating country’s wildlife, geology and culture is unique and we have therefore designed this expedition to incorporate remote islands, natural parks and stunning landscapes allowing us to begin to understand what makes this vast New World so endlessly fascinating.

We will travel from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea to Thursday Island, the most northerly point of Australia and from the very top of Australia we will journey all the way to its bottom. A momentous voyage along the entire length of its Pacific Ocean coast. In the Torres Strait islands archipelago, Australia’s most northern frontier, life moves slowly and centuries old cultures are passed down in song. From Cape York we journey south visiting remote communities each with their own culture, seeing indigenous rock-art and exploring some fascinating national parks.

Our Zodiacs will be so valuable as we explore the off shore islands of the Great Barrier Reef, landing on remote beaches and taking in the sights which have not changed since Captain Cook landed here in the 18th century. There will be so many intriguing places to see as we make our way south, Dunk Island with its spectacular rainforest, the pristine Whitsundays in the heart of the Barrier Reef and Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Leaving the Queensland coast we enter New South Wales, a state with an equally splendid scenery and wildlife as well as some famous vineyards and botanic gardens, and lastly on to the state of Victoria. Here, Wilson’s Promontory awaits, Australia’s most southerly national park and a drive along the Great Ocean Road, surely Australia’s most scenic journey. Our journey ends in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, having taken us some 2000 miles by sea. Travelling with our team of experts and being joined by guides and naturalists along the way, will make for a magical and enlightening experience ‘Down Under’.

Useful links & Travel Advice

Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.

Caledonian Sky

The MS Caledonian Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.

Itinerary

Day 1 London to Singapore.

Day 2 Singapore.

Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the Mandarin Oriental (or similar) for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration or to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Day 3 Singapore to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Spend the morning at leisure. In the early afternoon we will take a city tour including the 53 hectare Botanical Garden and National Orchid Garden which displays over 1000 species of orchids. Continue to the exotic streets and stalls of “Little India” before visiting Kampong Glam, Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple in Chinatown. After the tour we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Port Moresby.

Day 4 Port Moresby.

Arrive this morning and transfer to our hotel where day rooms will be ready for our use. In the late afternoon we will transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky which is moored in the city and sail this evening.

Day 5 At Sea.

Take the chance to relax on board, join the lecture programme or find a spot on deck.

Day 6 Thursday Island & Cape York, Australia.

Our Australian voyage starts on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. The island’s hidden past will be revealed on a coach tour this morning. Step back in time with a visit to Green Hill Fort, which was built in response to a Russian War scare. Once used as munitions storage space, the fort’s underground tunnels and rooms today house the Torres Strait Museum, where you can see informative displays on the region’s pearling, shipping and military history. We hope to continue to the Gab Titui Cultural Centre where we receive an insight into the Aboriginal art and culture of the Torres Strait islanders which depict myths and legends. Over lunch we will reposition to Cape York and, if weather permits, land on the northernmost tip of the Australian mainland for a choice of nature walks with the expedition team.

Day 7 Piper Islands, Queensland.

Cruising along the Cape York Peninsula we arrive at the Piper Islands National Park. These five islands are owned by the Kuuku Ya’u aboriginal people who have given us permission to visit. The islands are made up of low, vegetated cays and support over 75 species of seabirds, shorebirds and forest birds including terns, pied-imperial pigeons and beach stone-curlews whilst the islands support one of the largest roosting population of black noddy in Queensland. This is also an important nesting area for hawksbill turtle and green turtles have also been spotted in the waters around the island. We will use our Zodiacs to explore the coastline and land for nature walks.

Day 8 Lizard Island.

Designated as a National Park in 1937 and a Marine Park in 1974, Lizard Island boasts a wonderful number of natural wonders and is a lovely place to spend a day. The island was first visited by Captain Cook in 1770 and he named it after the large number of lizards he found here. We will use our Zodiacs to land on one of the sandy beaches where our naturalists will lead nature walks along the islands trails. Keen birders can keep an eye out for lesser golden plovers and pied imperial pigeons whilst we may see the yellow spotted monitor or another of the eleven species of lizard that reside here. Meanwhile the fringing reef offers a chance to snorkel and we may see the “Clam Garden” where we find giant clams up to two metres long living among an array of hard and soft coral. Those feeling active may wish to take a strenuous walk to the top of Cook’s Look, the highest point on the island at 363 metres offering wonderful views over the island group and reef.

Day 9 Cooktown.

Modern day Cooktown is located on the site where, in 1770, Captain Cook brought the Endeavour for repairs after damaging the ship on the offshore reefs. Known as Waymbuurr in the native aboriginal language, it was a popular meeting place for the local tribes and when Cook arrived it was the first recorded meaningful meeting between the indigenous Australian population and Europeans. A morning walk will include the James Cook Museum, housed in a 19th century convent and showcasing the history of the town from Cook’s arrival to the Palmer gold rush period of the late nineteenth century as well as insight into the culture and history of the indigenous Guugu Yimithiir aborigines. Also see the 150 hectare botanical gardens. We sail later in the afternoon allowing for free time to further explore.

Day 10 Dunk Island & Hinchinbrook Island.

Spend the morning on Dunk Island, a tropical rainforest island and the largest island in the Family Islands National Park. Known as Coonanglebah to the Djiru Aboriginal people, which translates as “the island of peace and plenty”, it sums up this lovely location. On nature walks through the eucalypt forest we will keep an eye for the many species of birds, with over 100 species having been recorded on the island. Over lunch we will sail the short distance to to enjoy a local boat cruise in the Hinchinbrook Channel. Flanked by mountains on the island the scenic channel is home to mangroves and wildlife including snubfin dolphins and dugongs.

Day 11 Townsville.

We call to North Queensland’s main city Townsville with its handsome esplanade and grand 19th century buildings. Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and amidst the dry tropics, Townsville boasts some excellent museums and experiences and there will be a selection of excursions available. Visit the Billabong Sanctuary & Wildlife Park to learn more about the native wildlife; the Museum of Tropical Queenstown & Great Barrier Reef HQ where the story of HMS Pandora, sent to capture the mutinous Bounty crew, is revealed or discover Magnetic Island, lying offshore, with secluded beaches and dry tropic eucalypt woodlands.

Day 12 Whitsundays.

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef are the 74 islands of the Whitsundays. Surrounded by warm tropical waters the majority of the islands are uninhabited and remain pristine and untouched. We enjoy a full day to explore and plan to land on one of the islands to enjoy nature walks with our team of on board naturalists or enjoy a swim or relax on one of the sandy beaches.

Day 13 Great Keppel Island.

After a morning at sea we arrive during lunch at Great Keppel Island, situated just above the Tropic of Capricorn and one of the 18 islands of the Keppel group. Fringed by turquoise waters, hard coral reefs and sun drenched beaches it looks like a perfect tropical island. On land the island covers over 1500 hectares with 90% of the interior made up of native bushland and winding walking trails which is abundant with wildlife. More than 100 species of bird life have been recorded including kookaburras, ospreys, beach curlews and rainbow lorikeets. We will spend the afternoon on nature walks, snorkelling on the reef or maybe choose to relax on one of the sandy beaches.

Day 14 Fraser Island.

At over 184,000 hectares Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created over hundreds of thousands of years by sand blown from the Australian mainland it is a wonder of freshwater lakes, crystal clear creeks and immense dunes of coloured sands which continue to evolve. It is also the only place in the world where rainforests are found growing on sand dunes whilst the wallum heaths on the islands interior provide magnificent displays of wildflowers in the spring. On shore we can see a profusion of wildlife including the infamous dingo whilst the waters are home to dugong and dolphins. The Great Sandy Strait that divides the island from the mainland is a recognised wetland area with mangrove colonies, seagrass beds and thousands of migratory seabirds. We will anchor in Kingfisher Bay and spend the day exploring this natural wonder on an island tour discovering the iconic Lake McKenzie.

Day 15 At Sea.

Spend the day at sea as we sail towards New South Wales.

Day 16 Expedition Cruising.

As we continue our journey along the New South Wales coast our Captain and Expedition Leader will keep a lookout for a suitable landing. We hope we will be able to use Zodiacs to access the sandy beach at Trial Bay where we can visit the gaol that was built in 1886 located in the Arakoon National Park. The gaol was originally used to house prisoners brought to the area to build a breakwater in the harbour whilst later, during the First World War, it became an internment camp for people of German descent in Australia. Enjoy the views from the sentry house or maybe take a walk through the surrounding forest of the National Park where we hope to spot Kangaroos. If we cannot land at Trial Bay we will look for alternate options on the coastline.

Day 17 Newcastle for Hunter Valley.

Founded in 1804 Newcastle grew as a major centre for exporting coal which was delivered along the Hunter River to the port. Today it is not only renowned for its historical heritage, but also as a popular gateway to the Hunter Valley, one of the finest wine regions in New South Wales and one of Australia’s oldest wine producing areas. James Busby is credited for starting the wine industry here way back in 1824 and today the region boasts a wide variety of winemaking styles from traditional to modern. After a scenic drive we will visit a vineyard where we will enjoy tastings of the famed Hunter Valley Semillon. Alternatively, spend time in Newcastle and see the Christ Church Cathedral, Nobby’s Headland and Lighthouse, Honeysuckle Harbour and the Art Deco Civic Centre.

Day 18 Batemans Bay.

This morning we cruise up the Clyde River into Batemans Bay. The expansive waterway at the mouth of the Clyde River was named by Cook on his voyage of discovery along this coast in 1770. However it was not until well into the 19th century that the township of Batemans Bay appeared. While Batemans Bay is the largest on the coast south of Nowra, it maintains its small town atmosphere. We will visit the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens to discover more about the regional plants and also spot the wildlife amidst the forest site. Alternatively, a full day tour to Canberra will cross the Great Dividing Range to the Australian Capital Territory. Here we will visit the Australian Parliament buildings and have some free time to explore the capital city.

Day 19 Eden.

Cruise this morning into the port of Eden situated in magnificent Twofold Bay, the third deepest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. A morning excursion will take us to the Ben Boyd National Park, a stunning coastal park of sheltered inlets, Aboriginal middens, historic buildings and wildlife. There will be a choice of walks for all levels and the chance to visit Boyd’s Tower, reach the lookouts with views over the Pacific Ocean where, at this time of year, we may see humpback whales on their migration back to Antarctica or watch for white bellied sea eagles in the skies. We will also have some free time in Eden when you may visit the Killer Whale Museum to learn more about the whaling history of the region and the unique relationship between whalers and the wild killer whales. Alternatively find a spot to try some of the region’s famous oysters.

Day 20 Wilsons Promontory.

After a morning at sea we arrive in the Gippsland area of Victoria. Wilsons Promontory is mainland Australia’s southernmost National Park, an isolated area of granite headlands, with unique vegetation and geology. The park is affectionately known as “The Prom”, and is famous for its abundance of native animals, birds, reptiles and plants, magnificent beaches and thick coastal forest. After using the Zodiacs to land on one of the beaches our onboard naturalists will lead a series of nature walks.

Day 21 Geelong.

Today we have a choice of tour options. Embark on a full day (eleven hour) tour of the Great Ocean Road. On this glorious coastal drive we enjoy a treetop walk at the Otway Rainforest and marvel at the amazing rock formations of the Port Campbell National Park, including the Twelve Apostles. Alternatively choose a morning excursion to visit the Narana Creations, an aboriginal craft and cultural centre. Sit in the Yingally Wor-ark gathering room where our hosts talk about their culture, walk in the garden to discover how plants are used for healing purposes and sample a bush tucker tasting. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Day 22 Melbourne to London.

After breakfast enjoy a morning city tour and local lunch en route to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.

Important Visa Information: Please note that British citizen passport holders can obtain an "eVisitor (subclass 651)" visa for entry into Australia. This can be obtained online from the Australian Government's Department of Immigration and Border Protection website, and is currently issued free or charge. Further information will be provided in your pre-departure information, which will be sent to you approximately 12 weeks before departure.

Deckplan

Caledonian Sky

The MS Caledonian Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Hebridean Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world.

On board there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites, 23 of which have private balconies located on the Promenade or Bridge Decks. Following a comprehensive refurbishment of the suites in November 2018, the suites on each deck have their own colour theme utilising fabrics from companies such as Osbourne & Little and Zimmer & Rohde. Soft hues, blended tones and the classic contemporary fabrics enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. Each suite exudes great character and grandeur with wood panelling and brass features found throughout. The large suites are arranged over four decks and all have outside facing views. All suites feature a sitting area complete with coffee table, armchairs and flat screen televisions (DVD players and DVDs can be borrowed from reception for use in your suite).

The beds in each cabin offer comfortable mattresses and pillows and can be configured as large double beds or twins. Each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, a heated towel rail, shaver outlet and vanity unit and walk-in shower and/or corner bath tub. Dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Further facilities in the suites include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, cabin to cabin telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, refillable water bottles, as well as extra blankets and pillows. Ship announcements made from the Bridge and Reception area are also broadcasted in your suite. A laundry service is also available on board.

Your Space

The spacious and finely decorated public rooms on board the MS Caledonian Sky include a large lounge featuring comfortable seating. Daily briefings given by the onboard team and talks from Guest Speakers take place in the Main Lounge which is fitted with multiple screens. For your convenience it is also possible to follow the onboard lectures from the comfort of your suite. Also in the Lounge is a 24-hour tea and coffee station along with an elegant bar where the onboard pianist plays periodically throughout the day. In addition to the Main Lounge on the Caledonian Deck, there is the recently refurbished Lounge on the Panorama Deck which has a bar, library and further spacious seating arrangements, ideal for watching the world go by as you cruise to your next destination. The Travel Library is the perfect place to relax with a good book and is well stocked with reference books pertaining to the destinations the vessel is visiting and a collection of essential reads. A selection of games and devices to access the internet via the ship’s satellite can also be found in the library. Access to the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi via your own device is complimentary on board (signal strength varies depending on location and demand). The Dining Room which can seat all guests at one sitting is located on the Castle Deck. Outside there is a rear Lido Deck which is complete with deck tables and chairs where meals are served in warm weather under shade and often occasions such as sail away parties and barbeques are held here.

On the Panorama Deck towards the front of the vessel there is an additional Observation Deck, complete with bar and comfortable cushioned deck furniture for sun bathing, relaxing with a book or catching up with fellow travellers. On the Promenade Deck there is also a small gymnasium featuring a treadmill, bicycle and cross trainer, and a hairdressers with appointments made on request. For your wellbeing, there is a clinic with Doctor on board and a lift which serves all decks.

Your Dining

It is quite a task to create a dining experience as that found on board our Sky vessels when you are cruising in far-flung corners of the globe, indeed it takes a team of highly talented chefs to deliver fresh, varied dishes no matter where you are at sea. Fortunately, our catering teams are well adapted to the world of small ship cruising where no two days are the same and the menus are often scheduled and tailored around the days’ excursions. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine on board is of a consistent superior quality that befits such vessels. Where possible and when it meets their high standards, our accomplished chefs will obtain local produce in markets. Such purchases enhance the well-stocked larders and enable the chefs on board to exhibit their culinary skills and bring a local touch to the varied menus, emphasising the international expertise of the chefs on board. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place every day in either the comfort of the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered for with sufficient notice.

In keeping with the informal atmosphere on board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements at your leisure. Whether that be joining a table of four to six other passengers outside on the Lido Deck in the evening’s sunshine or whether you prefer to enjoy meals in the à la carte restaurant. For those travelling alone, our onboard friendly restaurant staff will take care to ensure you are seated with other like-minded travellers. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order on request. Lunch and dinner are à la carte with an excellent choice of dishes, with the menu reflecting the daily catch or local delicacies. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with both meals and there is also a comprehensive wine list with a wide selection of new and old world wines from which to choose.

The onboard catering and restaurant staff are experienced at sea and enthuse a passion for superb service. Whether it be ensuring you have an outdoor blanket as you enjoy the crisp sea breeze on the Lido Deck or sharing their knowledge of the characteristics of the days’ wine selections, you will experience a service on board like no other. You may also enjoy sumptuous barbeques on deck whilst at times, the chef will make your dish to order at special pasta or stir fry stations.

If large resort-style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers are your ideal, then our ships are not for you as you will not find endless entertainment, round the clock buffets and the people management which is so much a part of today’s big ship on board style. However, if like us you prefer a more peaceful life at sea you will find our flagships the perfect vessels.

When choosing your next voyage the choice of vessels is astounding. You can select a ship carrying in excess of 4000 passengers with impersonal service or join us aboard the MS Caledonian Sky, MS Island Sky or MS Hebridean Sky where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. Instead, the atmosphere is warm and convivial and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about the wonders of nature, culture and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port briefings from our Expedition Leader or Cruise Director and of course good food with wine included at lunch and dinner, all contribute to make any voyage aboard these wonderful vessels a memorable and joyful experience. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of an exceedingly comfortable ship.

The daily programme on board is in the capable hands of our Cruise Director or Expedition Leader and staff who coordinate with the Captain and Officers to make the most of each day. Briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage together with a ‘Daily Programme’ that is distributed every evening to your suite outlining the next day’s activities. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will be no ‘black tie’ evenings.

For your comfort

MS Caledonian Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. As is the joy of small ship cruising, during your voyage, we hope to offer the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessels progress by charts and learn more about your journey (subject to weather or security conditions). There is a navigation channel on the television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to a specific area on deck.

Ship Directory

Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.

We are delighted you have chosen the MS Caledonian Sky for your upcoming voyage. The 114-passenger, all-suite vessel is one of the finest small ships in the world and benefits from unusually spacious accommodation, public areas and outside decks.

You will find the atmosphere on board akin to a private yacht or country hotel with a little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, talks from our onboard team and informative port briefings from your Cruise Director or Expedition Leader. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship.

Along with the Captain and officers and the Noble Caledonia team, our crew of 70 are dedicated to offering you the best possible experience during your time on board. We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.

ADAPTORS

Adaptors for hairdryers, mobile phones etc. can be obtained from Reception. These should be returned to Reception at the end of the cruise and are the property of the MS Caledonian Sky.

AIR-CONDITIONING

The entire ship is air-conditioned. All cabins feature individual temperature controls. In order to keep the air-conditioning system working efficiently, please keep doors closed when in use.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.

CABINS

The vessel has 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed cabins. All feature a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with marble topped vanity unit and walk-in shower, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Bridge Deck (Deck 5) and selected cabins on the Promenade Deck (Deck 4) have private balconies.All cabins have the following facilities:

Dressing gowns and slippers

TV

Electrical outlet

Hairdryer

Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled)

Mini bar & fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin.

Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down.

DAILY PROGRAMME

A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your cabin daily.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Chef or the Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.

DINING & DRINKING

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Restaurant. During good weather, early riser’s coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner may also be served on The Lido Deck. Afternoon tea is served in The Caledonian Lounge. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are available self-service 24 hours a day in The Caledonian Lounge. House wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.

MS Caledonian Sky operates an open seating policy which greatly enhances the convivial atmosphere on board. The Restaurant has +44 (0)20 7752 0000 7 table configurations of 8, 6, 4 and some 2’s. Room service is not available on board. As we operate an open seating policy, we regret that reservations cannot be made. Please note that passengers are not permitted to consume their own supplies of alcohol on board. Water is safe to drink onboard and is treated with chlorine. A complimentary bottle of water is provided in your cabin upon embarkation and can be replenished upon request. An eco-friendly, reusable water bottle is also available in the cabin for your use throughout the cruise.

DISABLED FACILITIES

There is a lift on board but the ship does not have facilities for disabled or wheelchair dependent passengers. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking and some excursions are walking tours only. There is no chairlift on board and access to the ship is by gangway.

DISEMBARKATION

Your Cruise Director / Expedition Leader will provide you with detailed disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise. This will include transfer information (where applicable). If you should have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Cruise Director / Expedition Leader as soon as possible after embarkation.

DRESS CODE

The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, we kindly ask you to refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals in the Restaurant. You may wish to wear something a little dressier for the Welcome and Farewell Dinners, for example, a jacket and tie for gentlemen and a dress for ladies. No “black tie” is necessary. It is recommended to wear footwear at all times whilst on board.

ELECTRICITY

Voltage is 110V/60Hz (American standard) and a 220V razor socket. This is only suitable for low voltage electrical appliances, e.g. mobile phone or camera charger. We recommend that you bring a two pin American adaptor for the 110v plug. Please note that the use of personal hairdryers, clothing irons, coffee makers, curling tongs, etc. in the cabins is strictly forbidden as they may damage the ship’s electrical system. If you require electrical medical equipment, please notify the Reservation Department as soon as possible.

GOING ASHORE

Wait in public areas or in your suite until an announcement is made with instructions to disembark. Sailing times for each port are listed in the Daily Programme. Please note sailing times and ensure that you return back to the vessel at least 30 minutes prior to departure. In some ports a passport or port landing card must be carried when going ashore. This will be announced over the PA System if required. If the ship is in a remote area and you hear a continuous blast of the ship’s horn then please return immediately to the landing site. When leaving the ship at any time while in port always ensure you have checked IN/OUT at the gangway.

HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

MS Caledonian Sky has a hairdresser providing haircuts and hairstyling. Some beauty treatments and massage are also available. Appointments for hair styling can be made on board at the Reception Desk. Fees for all treatments are available at Reception and will be charged to your onboard account. Each cabin is equipped with a hairdryer which can be found in the right hand top drawer of the dresser.

HEALTH & HYGIENE

In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitizers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.

LAUNDRY SERVICE

A laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe in your cabin. Please complete the laundry list and leave it together with the bag of items to be laundered on your bed. Your laundered items will be returned within 24 hours. There are no public launderette or ironing facilities on board. In the interest of safety we ask that you do not use an electric iron in your suite. An ironing service is available at reasonable cost. Dry cleaning facilities are not available on board.

In the interest of the environment, towels will not be automatically changed every day. We ask that you put used towels on the bathroom floor if you wish them to be changed for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.

LIFT

All passenger decks can be reached by lift. Please do not use the lift in the case of a fire or an emergency.

LOST PROPERTY

Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. On board the ship, any liquids, cosmetics, paper(s) and perishable items left behind will be disposed of immediately. Any books left on board the ship will be incorporated into the ship’s library or donated to charity. Other items left behind on the ship will be kept on board for 1 month or 2 cruises (whichever is the longer period), and after this time, any unclaimed items will be given to a local charity at the next main port the ship visits. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within 21 days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.

MAIL

Although reception staff are happy to post letters on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or at the port of call at which you make such a request. Some postal services are unreliable and many letters or postcards that you ask to be delivered on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. Under no circumstances can we be held liable for such occurrences.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Medical services are available 24 hours a day. There is a Doctor on board, and crew members are trained in first aid. Cabin visits by the ship’s Doctor are available. Please note that all consultations and services are charged for. To arrange an appointment with the ship’s Doctor please contact Reception by dialing 300. It takes some people longer to find their sea legs. Sea sickness tablets are available from Reception, and should be taken at least one hour prior to departure.

MINI BAR

For your convenience a mini bar facility has been set up in your suite on a chargeable basis. Items consumed during the cruise will be charged to your onboard account. Your Steward/ess will restock your mini bar on a daily basis and replenish consumed items. The mini bar price list is placed in the cabinet of your mini bar. The final statement will be delivered to your cabin in the early morning of your disembarkation.

NEWS

News channels are available on your cabin TV and in addition daily news bulletins can be found at Reception and in The Library.

NOBLE CALEDONIA TEAM

Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests you may have.

ONBOARD ACCOUNT

All passengers will have their own “ship account” which allows you to sign a receipt for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of the cruise. You will need to register your card at Reception shortly after sailing. If you are sharing a suite with a friend and would like separate bills, please inform Reception. Prices on board are shown in British Pounds. All final accounts will be presented in British Pounds. Your ship’s account can be paid by:

• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).

• Cash (British Pounds, Australian Dollars or US Dollars).

• Travellers’ Cheques (British Pounds, US Dollars or Euros).

Debit cards and prepaid credit cards may not automatically be accepted. Please let us know in advance if you plan to use one.

PASSPORTS

All Passports are collected by the Purser upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities at each port of call and are returned at the end of the cruise.

PUBLIC AREAS

The Panorama Lounge – Located on the Panorama Deck (Deck 6). Here you can find a comfortable area to relax in with as well as the Library and the Panorama Honesty Bar. Outside you can enjoy the forward facing observation platform and comfortable sun loungers.

The Library – Located on the Panorama Deck (Deck 6 aft). In The Library you can find a well stocked selection of reference books pertaining to the destinations. Fiction books, games and playing cards are also available for your pleasure. Novels brought on board may be exchanged with other books in the paperback library. Should you wish to donate any books which you may have brought with you, we will be happy to add these for the pleasure of future guests. Reference books may not be removed from the ship. Please return all borrowed materials as soon as you have finished using them. Facilities to access the ship's Wi-Fi and Internet are also available here.

The Gym – Located on the Promenade Deck (Deck 4 aft). A small gym features a treadmill, bicycle cross trainer, weights and yoga mats.

The Caledonian Lounge – Located on the Caledonian Deck (Deck 3 aft). Daily Briefings by the Cruise Director or Expedition Leader are given in The Caledonian Lounge which is fitted with multiple screens and presentation equipment. Informative talks from the Guest Speaker or expedition team are also given here. The Caledonian Lounge features the main bar and a 24 hour tea and coffee station. In the evening our onboard resident pianist plays before and after dinner.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in at Reception.

SAFE

There is a safe in every suite located in the closet. The safe can be programmed with your own code, instructions can be found inside the closet door and cabin staff will be available to assist upon embarkation. We recommend that you leave money and other valuables in the safe. Kindly remember to remove all items from the safe before disembarking the ship at the end of your cruise.

SAFETY DRILL & SAFETY

International Maritime Law requires a lifeboat safety drill to take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill, all ships services will be suspended. Your assigned lifeboat station, location of your life jacket and the signal for lifeboat and fire drills are clearly explained on the emergency card posted on the back of your suite’s door. Life jackets are located in your suite. During the safety drill you will be shown how to wear the life jacket. It is essential that you take certain safety precautions while on board:

• Walk, never run and be especially careful on wet and slippery decks.

• Ladies are advised to wear low heeled shoes especially on deck.

• Footwear should be worn at all times.

• Hold on to the handrails in passageways and stairways.

SHIP’S ID CARD

These personal ID cards with essential information are issued to each guest during embarkation. Please ensure you remember to check in and out at the gangway with the crew member on duty in order to ensure that you are on board prior to sailing.

SMOKING POLICY

The MS Caledonian Sky offers a smoke-free cruise environment. Smoking is not permitted inside the ship, including the balcony areas. Smoking is only permitted in the designated area outside on Deck 4 aft. Please never throw any cigarette ends overboard – the breeze could carry the smouldering end back on board and start a fire. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

TELEPHONE CALLS

Calls to other cabins can be made free of charge by dialing the cabin number. Lift the handset and dial the cabin number. If you wish to make an outside call, please check at Reception to purchase a prepaid telephone card and instructions. Costs are available from Reception and charges are automatically billed to your onboard account.

TOILETRIES

Molton Brown shampoo, conditioner, hand soap and shower gel are provided in your bathroom. If you have forgotten anything ie. toothpaste, please ask Reception, who have a selection of items available for purchase.

VISITORS

For the safety and security of all passengers no visitors are allowed on board the ship.

VISITING THE BRIDGE

At times Bridge visits may be possible. If visiting the Bridge, please note this is a working area and access may sometimes be restricted.

WAKE UP CALL

Wake up calls can be requested through the Reception Desk by dialling 300 before 11.00 pm.

WATER

Previously the MS Caledonian Sky used 54,000 bottles of water a year. In order to reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we replaced plastic bottled water where possible with eco-friendly reusable water bottles. The water bottles are for your use during the cruise and we kindly ask you to leave them in your cabin at the end of the cruise. The bottles can be filled from the tap – the tap water is safe to drink – or from the water station in The Caledonian Lounge. Some bottled water will be available in your cabin on arrival and can be replenished upon request.

ZODIAC OR LOCAL BOATS TO TENDER ASHORE

Some destinations may require the use of the ship’s Zodiacs or local tender boats to go ashore. Guests will be advised where and when to meet the Zodiac or local tender boat to go ashore. Please ensure that your hands are free at all times and accept the assistance given by the crew on board the MS Caledonian Sky when boarding tenders / Zodiacs. A Zodiac safety briefing will be given.

Please Note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.

Cabin Plans

Deckplan

On board there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites, 23 of which have private balconies located on the Promenade or Bridge Decks. Following a comprehensive refurbishment of the suites in November 2018, the suites on each deck have their own colour theme utilising fabrics from companies such as Osbourne & Little and Zimmer & Rohde. Soft hues, blended tones and the classic contemporary fabrics enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. Each suite exudes great character and grandeur with wood panelling and brass features found throughout. The large suites are arranged over four decks and all have outside facing views. All suites feature a sitting area complete with coffee table, armchairs and flat screen televisions (DVD players and DVDs can be borrowed from reception for use in your suite).

The beds in each cabin offer comfortable mattresses and pillows and can be configured as large double beds or twins. Each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, a heated towel rail, shaver outlet and vanity unit and walk-in shower and/or corner bath tub. Dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Further facilities in the suites include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, cabin to cabin telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries, individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, refillable water bottles, as well as extra blankets and pillows. Ship announcements made from the Bridge and Reception area are also broadcasted in your suite. A laundry service is also available on board.

Your Space

Your Space

The spacious and finely decorated public rooms on board the MS Caledonian Sky include a large lounge featuring comfortable seating. Daily briefings given by the onboard team and talks from Guest Speakers take place in the Main Lounge which is fitted with multiple screens. For your convenience it is also possible to follow the onboard lectures from the comfort of your suite. Also in the Lounge is a 24-hour tea and coffee station along with an elegant bar where the onboard pianist plays periodically throughout the day. In addition to the Main Lounge on the Caledonian Deck, there is the recently refurbished Lounge on the Panorama Deck which has a bar, library and further spacious seating arrangements, ideal for watching the world go by as you cruise to your next destination. The Travel Library is the perfect place to relax with a good book and is well stocked with reference books pertaining to the destinations the vessel is visiting and a collection of essential reads. A selection of games and devices to access the internet via the ship’s satellite can also be found in the library. Access to the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi via your own device is complimentary on board (signal strength varies depending on location and demand). The Dining Room which can seat all guests at one sitting is located on the Castle Deck. Outside there is a rear Lido Deck which is complete with deck tables and chairs where meals are served in warm weather under shade and often occasions such as sail away parties and barbeques are held here.

On the Panorama Deck towards the front of the vessel there is an additional Observation Deck, complete with bar and comfortable cushioned deck furniture for sun bathing, relaxing with a book or catching up with fellow travellers. On the Promenade Deck there is also a small gymnasium featuring a treadmill, bicycle and cross trainer, and a hairdressers with appointments made on request. For your wellbeing, there is a clinic with Doctor on board and a lift which serves all decks.

Your Dining

Your Dining

It is quite a task to create a dining experience as that found on board our Sky vessels when you are cruising in far-flung corners of the globe, indeed it takes a team of highly talented chefs to deliver fresh, varied dishes no matter where you are at sea. Fortunately, our catering teams are well adapted to the world of small ship cruising where no two days are the same and the menus are often scheduled and tailored around the days’ excursions. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine on board is of a consistent superior quality that befits such vessels. Where possible and when it meets their high standards, our accomplished chefs will obtain local produce in markets. Such purchases enhance the well-stocked larders and enable the chefs on board to exhibit their culinary skills and bring a local touch to the varied menus, emphasising the international expertise of the chefs on board. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place every day in either the comfort of the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered for with sufficient notice.

In keeping with the informal atmosphere on board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements at your leisure. Whether that be joining a table of four to six other passengers outside on the Lido Deck in the evening’s sunshine or whether you prefer to enjoy meals in the à la carte restaurant. For those travelling alone, our onboard friendly restaurant staff will take care to ensure you are seated with other like-minded travellers. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order on request. Lunch and dinner are à la carte with an excellent choice of dishes, with the menu reflecting the daily catch or local delicacies. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with both meals and there is also a comprehensive wine list with a wide selection of new and old world wines from which to choose.

The onboard catering and restaurant staff are experienced at sea and enthuse a passion for superb service. Whether it be ensuring you have an outdoor blanket as you enjoy the crisp sea breeze on the Lido Deck or sharing their knowledge of the characteristics of the days’ wine selections, you will experience a service on board like no other. You may also enjoy sumptuous barbeques on deck whilst at times, the chef will make your dish to order at special pasta or stir fry stations.

Click on image above to view a sample menu.

Life On Board

Life on Board

If large resort-style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers are your ideal, then our ships are not for you as you will not find endless entertainment, round the clock buffets and the people management which is so much a part of today’s big ship on board style. However, if like us you prefer a more peaceful life at sea you will find our flagships the perfect vessels.

When choosing your next voyage the choice of vessels is astounding. You can select a ship carrying in excess of 4000 passengers with impersonal service or join us aboard the MS Caledonian Sky, MS Island Sky or MS Hebridean Sky where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. Instead, the atmosphere is warm and convivial and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about the wonders of nature, culture and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port briefings from our Expedition Leader or Cruise Director and of course good food with wine included at lunch and dinner, all contribute to make any voyage aboard these wonderful vessels a memorable and joyful experience. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of an exceedingly comfortable ship.

The daily programme on board is in the capable hands of our Cruise Director or Expedition Leader and staff who coordinate with the Captain and Officers to make the most of each day. Briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage together with a ‘Daily Programme’ that is distributed every evening to your suite outlining the next day’s activities. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will be no ‘black tie’ evenings.

For your comfort

For your comfort

MS Caledonian Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. As is the joy of small ship cruising, during your voyage, we hope to offer the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessels progress by charts and learn more about your journey (subject to weather or security conditions). There is a navigation channel on the television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to a specific area on deck.

Ship Directory

Ship Directory

Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.

We are delighted you have chosen the MS Caledonian Sky for your upcoming voyage. The 114-passenger, all-suite vessel is one of the finest small ships in the world and benefits from unusually spacious accommodation, public areas and outside decks.

You will find the atmosphere on board akin to a private yacht or country hotel with a little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, talks from our onboard team and informative port briefings from your Cruise Director or Expedition Leader. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship.

Along with the Captain and officers and the Noble Caledonia team, our crew of 70 are dedicated to offering you the best possible experience during your time on board. We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.

ADAPTORS

Adaptors for hairdryers, mobile phones etc. can be obtained from Reception. These should be returned to Reception at the end of the cruise and are the property of the MS Caledonian Sky.

AIR-CONDITIONING

The entire ship is air-conditioned. All cabins feature individual temperature controls. In order to keep the air-conditioning system working efficiently, please keep doors closed when in use.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.

CABINS

The vessel has 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed cabins. All feature a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with marble topped vanity unit and walk-in shower, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Bridge Deck (Deck 5) and selected cabins on the Promenade Deck (Deck 4) have private balconies.All cabins have the following facilities:

Dressing gowns and slippers

TV

Electrical outlet

Hairdryer

Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled)

Mini bar & fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin.

Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down.

DAILY PROGRAMME

A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your cabin daily.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Chef or the Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.

DINING & DRINKING

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Restaurant. During good weather, early riser’s coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner may also be served on The Lido Deck. Afternoon tea is served in The Caledonian Lounge. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are available self-service 24 hours a day in The Caledonian Lounge. House wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.

MS Caledonian Sky operates an open seating policy which greatly enhances the convivial atmosphere on board. The Restaurant has +44 (0)20 7752 0000 7 table configurations of 8, 6, 4 and some 2’s. Room service is not available on board. As we operate an open seating policy, we regret that reservations cannot be made. Please note that passengers are not permitted to consume their own supplies of alcohol on board. Water is safe to drink onboard and is treated with chlorine. A complimentary bottle of water is provided in your cabin upon embarkation and can be replenished upon request. An eco-friendly, reusable water bottle is also available in the cabin for your use throughout the cruise.

DISABLED FACILITIES

There is a lift on board but the ship does not have facilities for disabled or wheelchair dependent passengers. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking and some excursions are walking tours only. There is no chairlift on board and access to the ship is by gangway.

DISEMBARKATION

Your Cruise Director / Expedition Leader will provide you with detailed disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise. This will include transfer information (where applicable). If you should have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Cruise Director / Expedition Leader as soon as possible after embarkation.

DRESS CODE

The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, we kindly ask you to refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals in the Restaurant. You may wish to wear something a little dressier for the Welcome and Farewell Dinners, for example, a jacket and tie for gentlemen and a dress for ladies. No “black tie” is necessary. It is recommended to wear footwear at all times whilst on board.

ELECTRICITY

Voltage is 110V/60Hz (American standard) and a 220V razor socket. This is only suitable for low voltage electrical appliances, e.g. mobile phone or camera charger. We recommend that you bring a two pin American adaptor for the 110v plug. Please note that the use of personal hairdryers, clothing irons, coffee makers, curling tongs, etc. in the cabins is strictly forbidden as they may damage the ship’s electrical system. If you require electrical medical equipment, please notify the Reservation Department as soon as possible.

GOING ASHORE

Wait in public areas or in your suite until an announcement is made with instructions to disembark. Sailing times for each port are listed in the Daily Programme. Please note sailing times and ensure that you return back to the vessel at least 30 minutes prior to departure. In some ports a passport or port landing card must be carried when going ashore. This will be announced over the PA System if required. If the ship is in a remote area and you hear a continuous blast of the ship’s horn then please return immediately to the landing site. When leaving the ship at any time while in port always ensure you have checked IN/OUT at the gangway.

HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

MS Caledonian Sky has a hairdresser providing haircuts and hairstyling. Some beauty treatments and massage are also available. Appointments for hair styling can be made on board at the Reception Desk. Fees for all treatments are available at Reception and will be charged to your onboard account. Each cabin is equipped with a hairdryer which can be found in the right hand top drawer of the dresser.

HEALTH & HYGIENE

In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitizers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.

LAUNDRY SERVICE

A laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe in your cabin. Please complete the laundry list and leave it together with the bag of items to be laundered on your bed. Your laundered items will be returned within 24 hours. There are no public launderette or ironing facilities on board. In the interest of safety we ask that you do not use an electric iron in your suite. An ironing service is available at reasonable cost. Dry cleaning facilities are not available on board.

In the interest of the environment, towels will not be automatically changed every day. We ask that you put used towels on the bathroom floor if you wish them to be changed for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.

LIFT

All passenger decks can be reached by lift. Please do not use the lift in the case of a fire or an emergency.

LOST PROPERTY

Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. On board the ship, any liquids, cosmetics, paper(s) and perishable items left behind will be disposed of immediately. Any books left on board the ship will be incorporated into the ship’s library or donated to charity. Other items left behind on the ship will be kept on board for 1 month or 2 cruises (whichever is the longer period), and after this time, any unclaimed items will be given to a local charity at the next main port the ship visits. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within 21 days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.

MAIL

Although reception staff are happy to post letters on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or at the port of call at which you make such a request. Some postal services are unreliable and many letters or postcards that you ask to be delivered on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. Under no circumstances can we be held liable for such occurrences.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Medical services are available 24 hours a day. There is a Doctor on board, and crew members are trained in first aid. Cabin visits by the ship’s Doctor are available. Please note that all consultations and services are charged for. To arrange an appointment with the ship’s Doctor please contact Reception by dialing 300. It takes some people longer to find their sea legs. Sea sickness tablets are available from Reception, and should be taken at least one hour prior to departure.

MINI BAR

For your convenience a mini bar facility has been set up in your suite on a chargeable basis. Items consumed during the cruise will be charged to your onboard account. Your Steward/ess will restock your mini bar on a daily basis and replenish consumed items. The mini bar price list is placed in the cabinet of your mini bar. The final statement will be delivered to your cabin in the early morning of your disembarkation.

NEWS

News channels are available on your cabin TV and in addition daily news bulletins can be found at Reception and in The Library.

NOBLE CALEDONIA TEAM

Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests you may have.

ONBOARD ACCOUNT

All passengers will have their own “ship account” which allows you to sign a receipt for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of the cruise. You will need to register your card at Reception shortly after sailing. If you are sharing a suite with a friend and would like separate bills, please inform Reception. Prices on board are shown in British Pounds. All final accounts will be presented in British Pounds. Your ship’s account can be paid by:

• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).

• Cash (British Pounds, Australian Dollars or US Dollars).

• Travellers’ Cheques (British Pounds, US Dollars or Euros).

Debit cards and prepaid credit cards may not automatically be accepted. Please let us know in advance if you plan to use one.

PASSPORTS

All Passports are collected by the Purser upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities at each port of call and are returned at the end of the cruise.

PUBLIC AREAS

The Panorama Lounge – Located on the Panorama Deck (Deck 6). Here you can find a comfortable area to relax in with as well as the Library and the Panorama Honesty Bar. Outside you can enjoy the forward facing observation platform and comfortable sun loungers.

The Library – Located on the Panorama Deck (Deck 6 aft). In The Library you can find a well stocked selection of reference books pertaining to the destinations. Fiction books, games and playing cards are also available for your pleasure. Novels brought on board may be exchanged with other books in the paperback library. Should you wish to donate any books which you may have brought with you, we will be happy to add these for the pleasure of future guests. Reference books may not be removed from the ship. Please return all borrowed materials as soon as you have finished using them. Facilities to access the ship's Wi-Fi and Internet are also available here.

The Gym – Located on the Promenade Deck (Deck 4 aft). A small gym features a treadmill, bicycle cross trainer, weights and yoga mats.

The Caledonian Lounge – Located on the Caledonian Deck (Deck 3 aft). Daily Briefings by the Cruise Director or Expedition Leader are given in The Caledonian Lounge which is fitted with multiple screens and presentation equipment. Informative talks from the Guest Speaker or expedition team are also given here. The Caledonian Lounge features the main bar and a 24 hour tea and coffee station. In the evening our onboard resident pianist plays before and after dinner.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in at Reception.

SAFE

There is a safe in every suite located in the closet. The safe can be programmed with your own code, instructions can be found inside the closet door and cabin staff will be available to assist upon embarkation. We recommend that you leave money and other valuables in the safe. Kindly remember to remove all items from the safe before disembarking the ship at the end of your cruise.

SAFETY DRILL & SAFETY

International Maritime Law requires a lifeboat safety drill to take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill, all ships services will be suspended. Your assigned lifeboat station, location of your life jacket and the signal for lifeboat and fire drills are clearly explained on the emergency card posted on the back of your suite’s door. Life jackets are located in your suite. During the safety drill you will be shown how to wear the life jacket. It is essential that you take certain safety precautions while on board:

• Walk, never run and be especially careful on wet and slippery decks.

• Ladies are advised to wear low heeled shoes especially on deck.

• Footwear should be worn at all times.

• Hold on to the handrails in passageways and stairways.

SHIP’S ID CARD

These personal ID cards with essential information are issued to each guest during embarkation. Please ensure you remember to check in and out at the gangway with the crew member on duty in order to ensure that you are on board prior to sailing.

SMOKING POLICY

The MS Caledonian Sky offers a smoke-free cruise environment. Smoking is not permitted inside the ship, including the balcony areas. Smoking is only permitted in the designated area outside on Deck 4 aft. Please never throw any cigarette ends overboard – the breeze could carry the smouldering end back on board and start a fire. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

TELEPHONE CALLS

Calls to other cabins can be made free of charge by dialing the cabin number. Lift the handset and dial the cabin number. If you wish to make an outside call, please check at Reception to purchase a prepaid telephone card and instructions. Costs are available from Reception and charges are automatically billed to your onboard account.

TOILETRIES

Molton Brown shampoo, conditioner, hand soap and shower gel are provided in your bathroom. If you have forgotten anything ie. toothpaste, please ask Reception, who have a selection of items available for purchase.

VISITORS

For the safety and security of all passengers no visitors are allowed on board the ship.

VISITING THE BRIDGE

At times Bridge visits may be possible. If visiting the Bridge, please note this is a working area and access may sometimes be restricted.

WAKE UP CALL

Wake up calls can be requested through the Reception Desk by dialling 300 before 11.00 pm.

WATER

Previously the MS Caledonian Sky used 54,000 bottles of water a year. In order to reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we replaced plastic bottled water where possible with eco-friendly reusable water bottles. The water bottles are for your use during the cruise and we kindly ask you to leave them in your cabin at the end of the cruise. The bottles can be filled from the tap – the tap water is safe to drink – or from the water station in The Caledonian Lounge. Some bottled water will be available in your cabin on arrival and can be replenished upon request.

ZODIAC OR LOCAL BOATS TO TENDER ASHORE

Some destinations may require the use of the ship’s Zodiacs or local tender boats to go ashore. Guests will be advised where and when to meet the Zodiac or local tender boat to go ashore. Please ensure that your hands are free at all times and accept the assistance given by the crew on board the MS Caledonian Sky when boarding tenders / Zodiacs. A Zodiac safety briefing will be given.

Please Note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.

Cabin Plan

Cabin Plans

Videos

Videos

Deck plans

Deckplan

Video Library

Travelling with You

Martin Sixsmith

Martin Sixsmith was the BBC’s correspondent in Moscow, Washington, Brussels and Warsaw in the 1980s and 90s and worked as Director of Communications for the British Government from 1997 to 2002. He is now an author, presenter and journalist. His non-fiction books include Moscow Coup, The Litvinenko File, Putin’s Oil and Russia: A Thousand Year Chronicle of the Wild East. He worked as a consultant on the BBC2 political sitcom The Thick of It and the 2010 movie In the Loop. In 2011 he presented the BBC’s 50-episode history of Russia on Radio Four. In 2013 his book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee was adapted into the film Philomena, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. It was nominated for four Oscars. In 2014 he presented Radio 4’s 25-part history of psychology and psychiatry. His new book Ayesha’s Gift is the story of a young woman’s search to discover the truth after her father is murdered in Pakistan.

Martin Sixsmith will be on the following tour dates: 14 October 2019
to
5 November 2019

Craig Ward

Craig is a marine professional, dive instructor, marine biologist & ship’s captain and studied Zoology at James Cook University, Cairns. For over twelve years he has been involved in marine research and education throughout the Indo-pacific, particularly the Northern Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley, south-east Asia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

He became a wildlife keeper working with many native Australian species including crocodiles, snakes and cassowaries and wrote a number of public education presentations on topics such as wetlands, reptiles, jellyfish and conservation, Craig developed his lecturing skills and became recognized as a regularly cited author. He is credited on a number of scientific papers, has been published in a variety of magazines and has co written and edited several natural history works.

Craig is based in tropical northern Australia, where he is actively involved in conservation research. He spends much of the year travelling to remote parts of the world in search of, sadly, rare animals with like-minded people who share his passion for nature and travel, and he goes out to sea as often as he can.

Craig Ward will be on the following tour dates: 14 October 2019
to
5 November 2019

Jean-Pierre Els

Jean-Pierre Els is a qualified Padi Divemaster and Category C vessel skipper who is passionately in love with the ocean and the outdoors. He is now working as a Divemaster, Watersports Coordinator, RIB Driver, Zodiac Driver, Guide and Expedition Team Leader/Member.

His lifelong dream to scuba dive became a reality when he relocated to the east coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal. What started out as a hobby quickly progressed into a career and Jean-Pierre soon had the opportunity to work on the Sardine Run, known as The Greatest Shoal on Earth. After that he was employed as a resident Divemaster and Skipper in Shelly Beach. He specialized in shark diving on the reef Protea Banks. One of his greatest experiences in life is as a Sardine Run Expedition Leader for African Dive Adventures. Setting up an entire operation to a remote area and being on the water with no guarantee what to expect is truly an exhilarating challenge he looks forward year after year.

Thereafter his work expanded to various parts around the globe while working with Eyos-Expeditions as a Divemaster and expedition team member. He is responsible for the planning of dive programs, managing operations, group diving, driving RIB’s, zodiacs, guiding etc. He is currently also working with Expedition Voyage Consultants as a Watersports and Surface Activity Coordinator. At EVC he assists and advises with the start-up and set up of watersports, surface activities and operations onboard. Advising on the onboard organizational structure, schedules and developing SOP’s.

Jean-Pierre Els will be on the following tour dates: 14 October 2019
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5 November 2019

Kevin Morgan

An enthusiastic naturalist with a passion for wildlife enthusiast, Kevin has been a keen birdwatcher since childhood and he has worked on cruise ships from Antarctica to the Arctic, Iceland to Norway, and the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, with the British Isles being a favourite with its diverse coastline and seabird colonies. Kevin was a naturalist on a sailing expedition from South Africa to the UK; on a junk in the South China Seas, and he has led whale watching tours, from Blue Whale encounters off California, to swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas and has seen over 40 species of cetaceans.

Based on his experience at sea he was behind the concept of Sealife - A Complete Guide to the Marine Environment, working closely with the artist to illustrate dolphins from above, as they are seen when bow riding. Kevin was on the St. Vincent Parrot Expedition to the Caribbean in 1982 and a resident naturalist in Tambopata region of the Peruvian Amazon in the 80’s - and a founder member of TReeS (the Tambopata Reserve Society). In the UK he carries out wildlife surveys (bats, bird, reptiles & amphibians), lectures on his travels, and leads wildlife walking tours. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a member of the Marine Conservation Society, a founder member of The Shark Trust with a passion for sharks, and he has an Oceanography Masters. An experienced sub-aqua diver he is learning to free-dive and can hold his breath - for nearly 5 minutes! To relax, he likes to lambada and salsa, the dancing.

Kevin Morgan will be on the following tour dates: 14 October 2019
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5 November 2019

Phanor H Montoya-Maya

Phanor H Montoya-Maya is a marine biologist, diving instructor and Coral guru hailing from Colombia. His love for all things oceanic emerged after sighting his first giant grouper on the Caribbean coast of his native Colombia. Since that moment he has dedicated his life to better understanding, conserving and raising awareness for the ocean and its inhabitants. A BSc in Marine biology was followed by his MSc in Icthyology and finally a PhD in coral reefs. He has worked all over the world leading cage less shark dives in South Africa, starting the first Marine based NGO in Colombia or heading up the World’s largest coral reef restoration programme in the Seychelles. He has been invited to work on countless Scientific expeditions through North and Central America, Southern Africa and most recently was the on board Coral specialist for the National Geographic Pristine seas team in Mozambique! Outside of work he has hitch hiked through Jamaica, ridden camels past Ancient Egypt and even tried his hand at Ice fishing in the remote Canadian wilderness. Phanor loves the possibilities found on expedition cruises to see more of the world and take his guests on some of their most informative, interesting and incredible dives of their lives. He doesn’t create log book entries he creates everlasting memories.

Phanor H Montoya-Maya will be on the following tour dates: 14 October 2019
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5 November 2019

Pierre Malan

Pierre is an all round naturalist who trained as an oceanographer and marine biologist and has more than forty years of experience in the field. He lives in Hout Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa. He is a former Naval Officer who holds certificates of competence in sail and power. He worked at the Sea Fisheries Research Institute in Cape Town for more than thirty years, specialising in the acoustic stock assessment of small pelagic fish and krill.

He participated in numerous research cruises in the South-East Atlantic Ocean, the South-West Indian Ocean, the Pacific and Southern Ocean, often as chief scientist. Since 2001 he has worked as a fisheries consultant specialising in combatting illegal fishing, working mainly in Southern and East Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean, as well as doing research cruises in the Antarctic, the Eastern Tropical Pacific and North Pacific. During this time he lectured at several Universities in South Africa as well as teaching at the Fisheries Development Centre in Mbegani, Tanzania. In 2005 he started working in the expedition cruising industry as a lecturer, zodiac driver, and later as assistant expedition leader.

He has worked on board ships in the Antarctic, the Western Indian Ocean, South and Central America, the Canary and Azores Islands, Great Britain, Norway and Spitsbergen. In addition to marine biology and oceanography he is a competent all-round naturalist and photographer as well as having an interest in history and in traditional boats and working boats around the world. During 2008 he was technical adviser and presenter for a TV documentary series on the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic.

Pierre Malan will be on the following tour dates: 14 October 2019
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5 November 2019

Wendy Malan

Wendy trained as a classical ballet dancer and teacher at the University of Cape Town. After dancing professionally for ten years, she taught at the same university before setting out on her own. She has run her own successful exercise studio and produced several ballets for the Cape Youth Ballet. Together with her oceanographer husband she has taken part in research cruises off the West Coast of Southern Africa and travelled to some of the Earth’s more interesting places, including the Namibian Skeleton Coast, Mozambique and the Antarctic.

Her first visit to the Antarctic was in 2003, aboard the SA Agulhas, supervising a group of scholars who accompanied the vessel on a relief cruise to Queen Maud Land. She has worked on small expedition cruise ships in many places in the world for the past eight years.

Wendy Malan will be on the following tour dates: 14 October 2019
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5 November 2019

Tour Extensions

If you would like to spend some more time in Australia after disembarking the MS Caledonian Sky, we have arranged a three night extension in Sydney.

Sydney

The Itinerary

Day 1 Melbourne to Sydney. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Sydney. On arrival transfer to our central hotel for a three night stay. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration.

Days 2 & 3 Sydney. Enjoy two days to explore at your own pace. See the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Botanical Gardens. Maybe take a harbour cruise, visit one of the nearby beaches at Bondi or Manly or travel inland to see the Blue Mountains.

Day 4 Sydney to London. Transfer to the airport for your scheduled indirect flight to London.

Before our expedition aboard the MS Caledonian Sky begins, we are offering the opportunity to join a pre-cruise extension to the Western Highlands where there will be the opportunity to discover local tribes and learn more of their traditions, visit villages where the locals practice subsistence farming and to witness the diversity of cultures.

Rondon Ridge, Western Highlands Province

Located 7100 feet above sea level and near the town of Mount Hagen, on the outer fringes of the Kubor Range, lies Rondon Ridge which boasts panoramic views of the Wahgi Valley below. The surrounding area is pristine rainforest and home to numerous orchid and bird species. The lodge has hours of walking trails providing ample opportunity to explore the unique ecology of this area. While staying at Rondon Ridge, there will be excursions which will take you on a journey through the traditions and customs of the local Melpa People. Guests are accommodated in twelve tastefully appointed rooms with modern en-suite bathrooms. Rondon Ridge has 24- hour, eco-friendly electricity, provided by its own hydroelectric power plant that generates clean, natural energy from a nearby mountain stream.

Rondon Ridge

The Itinerary

Day 1 London to Singapore. Fly by scheduled flight.

Day 2 Singapore. Arrive this morning and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free to explore independently.

Day 3 Singapore to Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea. Enjoy a leisurely morning to either explore independently or relax at the hotel. In the afternoon we will visit the 53 hectare botanical garden and National Orchid Garden before we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Mount Hagen via Port Moresby.

Day 4 Mount Hagen. On arrival in Mount Hagen you will be met and transferred to your lodge for a three-night stay. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or join a nature walk.

Days 5 & 6 Rondon Ridge, Western Highlands. We have two full days to explore the Highlands and learn of the unique culture and traditions of the tribes in the region. We will visit villages with our knowledgeable local guides and learn more about the fascinating birdlife of the Highlands.

Day 7 Mount Hagen to Port Moresby. After breakfast, check out and transfer to Mount Hagen airport for your flight to Port Moresby. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 8 Port Moresby. This morning relax at the hotel before transferring in the late afternoon to the MS Caledonian Sky.

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on 020 7752 0000

The air holiday packages shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3108. Please see our booking conditions for more information.ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services shown on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.